Question : Medical Research by ICMR

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) the details of major research projects started by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) during the last three years and the current year;

(b) whether the shortage/vacant posts of scientists and experts in ICMR has adversely affected its functioning and the progress of various projects initiated by it;

(c) if so, the details thereof; and

(d) the reformative measures taken/ proposed to be taken by the Government for capacity building and strengthening of ICMR and streamlining its functioning?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)
(a): Details are annexed.
(b) & (c): No. However 30 scientists have been recruited recently and process to fill-up remaining vacant posts, has been undertaken.
(d): The knowledge and skills of scientific personnel are being regularly updated through their participation in various national and international level trainings, workshops and conferences. Upgradation of National Institute of Virology (NIV) unit at Gorakhpur has been done to a full fledged centre-Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC), Gorakhpur. As part of streamlining of ICMR, number of institutes under ICMR, have been brought down from 32 to 26.
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